一枚上手(いちまいうわて)

いちまいうわて
na-adjective/noun
a cut above; one step ahead; superior
1. a cut above; one step ahead; superior
slightly better or more skilled than someone else; having the upper hand
彼(かれ)は私(わたし)より一枚上手(いちまいうわて)だ。
He's a cut above me.
交渉(こうしょう)では相手(あいて)が一枚上手(いちまいうわて)だった。
In the negotiation, the other party had the upper hand.
経験(けいけん)の点(てん)では彼女(かのじょ)が一枚上手(いちまいうわて)である。
In terms of experience, she's one step ahead.

一枚上手(いちまいうわて) means being slightly superior to someone else.

COMPOSITION:

  • 一枚(いちまい): One sheet/layer
  • 上手(うわて): Upper hand, advantage

ETYMOLOGY:
Originates from the ranking system in traditional games like sumo or go, where being "one level above" indicates a slight advantage.

USAGE PATTERNS:

  • ～より一枚上手(いちまいうわて) (a cut above ~)
  • 一枚上手(いちまいうわて)を行(い)く (to be one step ahead)

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

  • 一段(いちだん)上(うえ) (one level above)
  • 上手(うわて) (upper hand)
  • 一歩(いっぽ)先(さき)を行(い)く (to be one step ahead)

NUANCE:

  • Implies a slight but noticeable advantage
  • Often used in competitive or comparison contexts
  • Can describe skill, strategy, experience, or cunning

OPPOSITE:

  • 一枚下手(いちまいしたて) (a notch below - less common)

REGISTER: Neutral. Common in everyday and competitive contexts.

general
Added 2026.1.21 22:22
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